Interpreters create bridges in corporate communication

By Rebecca Maitland jobs correspondent |
January 3, 2014

Communication, either written or spoken, remains the key to all successful business and personal relationships.

With Houston having more than 90 languages spoken throughout the city, 92 countries with consular offices, being the energy capital of the world, housing one of the largest medical centers in the world, plus touting major international businesses across the board, people from around the globe are constantly moving into and around the city.

Moreover, if it was not for translators, interpreters and sign language professionals, communication for many would be hindered.

"The main message I would like to get across is that whether you're at the CIA, Dell Computer, or even in county government, translation errors can be costly, even disastrous. You simply cannot risk getting your translation wrong. To get it right, you need a qualified, professional translator," said Jiri Stejskal, spokesperson, American Translators Association.

Translators work on written documents, and interpreters work with the spoken word.

Translators, interpreters and sign language professionals are some of the most in-demand jobs in the state. However, the growth rate of the global market for language services has been in double digits for a number of years.

"In commercial translation, the greatest demand is for French, Italian, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. The U.S. government, which is one of the world's largest buyer of language services, has a need for critical languages such as Pashto, Dari and Arabic," Stejskal said.

The ATA has a certification program for translators. Yet, in most cases, translators and interpreters in the U.S. are not required to be certified. Translators who earn ATA certification have proven a high degree of competence and dedication to their trade, which sets them apart.

"Working as a professional translator or interpreter is a full-time job, and is rewarding. Knowing two languages is not enough; translators and interpreters need to know how to convey meanings and cultural nuances in a different language, rather than just words. Successful translators and interpreters also may specialize in a specific field, such as finance, health care, law, etc.," Stejskal said.

One of the many benefits of being in this field is that in the U.S., most translators and interpreters work as independent contractors and are able to often work from home, with basic pay beginning around $32 per hour.

Pay increases with specializations, certifications and education.

Additionally, there is also a critical need for sign language interpreters.

According to Charles Trevino, Lone Star College North Harris County, there is a crisis in the United States with not having enough sign language interpreters, especially in legal, mental health and medical industries.

"As Houston is home to the Medical Center, there is also an increased demand for interpreters who can handle medical terminology," said Sharon Grigsby Hill, MBA, DARS-BEI Master Level Instructional, assistant professor and coordinator, ASL Interpreting Program, University of Houston.

Currently, there are roughly 1,600 sign language interpreters certified by the state of Texas. This small number of interpreters is tasked with providing interpreters to the entire state, which includes all of the major cities, such as Houston, according to Hill.

The University of Houston American Sign Language Interpreting program is one of the only bachelor's degree programs in Texas.

"The courses for this program at UH are taught by deaf faculty. By creating a total immersion environment in the class, students are encouraged to learn how to communicate with their deaf professors and fellow classmates, and thereby quickly acquire language," Hill said.